Visualization and analysis of the complexome network of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

J Proteome Res. 2011 Oct 7;10(10):4744-56. doi: 10.1021/pr200548c. Epub 2011 Sep 7.

Abstract

Most processes in the cell are delivered by protein complexes, rather than individual proteins. While the association of proteins has been studied extensively in protein-protein interaction networks (the interactome), an intuitive and effective representation of complex-complex connections (the complexome) is not yet available. Here, we describe a new representation of the complexome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using the core-module-attachment data of Gavin et al. ( Nature 2006 , 440 , 631 - 6 ), protein complexes in the network are represented as nodes; these are connected by edges that represent shared core and/or module protein subunits. To validate this network, we examined the network topology and its distribution of biological processes. The complexome network showed scale-free characteristics, with a power law-like node degree distribution and clustering coefficient independent of node degree. Connected complexes in the network showed similarities in biological process that were nonrandom. Furthermore, clusters of interacting complexes reflected a higher-level organization of many cellular functions. The strong functional relationships seen in these clusters, along with literature evidence, allowed 44 uncharacterized complexes to be assigned putative functions using guilt-by-association. We demonstrate our network model using the GEOMI visualization platform, on which we have developed capabilities to integrate and visualize complexome data.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Computational Biology / methods
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
  • Genetic Complementation Test
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Protein Interaction Maps
  • Proteome
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Software

Substances

  • Proteome
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins